The Whale

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:23:14 +0000

Dramatic retelling of the fateful last voyage of the Nantucket whaleship Essex. When the Essex is attacked and sunk by a sperm whale in November 1820, her crew take to three fragile whalers. Alone in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the men must decide whether to head for the nearest islands – a thousand miles downwind to the west – or set out on an epic journey of almost three thousand miles to reach the South American mainland. Fear of cannibals forces them to choose South America. Almost three months later, the first whaler is rescued by another whaleship. Only three men are still alive. A week later the captain’s whaler is also rescued, with just two men aboard. The third whaler is never found. This is a story of human endurance and what men in extremis will do to survive.

8 Minutes Idle

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 22:26:28 +0000

Based upon Matt Thorne’s award-winning novel about life in a call centre, “Eight Minutes Idle” is a warped urban comedy about what it really means to put your life ‘on hold’! Dan Thomas has always taken the path of least resistance – in his work life, home life and love life! But when Dan finds himself kicked out of the family home, he’s faced with no option but to secretly move into the call centre where he works. Suddenly, everything that he’s previously taken for granted – a well-stocked fridge, clean clothes, his friends, his self respect, even his beloved cat – are either disappearing or conspiring against him. As Dan’s work/life balance spirals dangerously out of control, he’s forced to break out of old habits and to dare to do something he has never had to do before – really care about someone other than himself. Written by Sarah Cox

Paul Kaye – IDLIX

The Whale

8 Minutes Idle